Art Exhibitions This Week: Edinburgh and Brussels Highlights 2026

Discover the best art exhibitions this week, from Edinburgh's vibrant festival to Brussels' stunning flower carpet. This week's art scene offers a diverse range of experiences for every art lover.

Edinburgh Art Festival: A Hub of Creativity

The Edinburgh Art Festival is in full swing, with Katie Paterson finding a natural home in the Collective Gallery's repurposed observatory on Calton Hill. Her science-minded installations blend art and astronomy, creating a unique dialogue with the city's skyline. Meanwhile, Del LaGrace Volcano and Eva Rothschild showcase their works in other memorable venues across the Scottish capital, each offering a distinct perspective on contemporary issues.

These exhibitions run until 30 August, giving visitors ample time to explore the festival's rich offerings. Whether you're a seasoned art collector or a curious traveler, Edinburgh's art scene promises to inspire and provoke thought.

London and Beyond: Masterpieces and Portraits

In London, the National Gallery presents a last chance to experience the mystical and wondrous encounter with Spanish genius Zurbarán. This exhibition, closing on 23 August, is a must-see for those who appreciate religious art and Baroque mastery. Further north, the Holburne Museum in Bath features Glenn Brown's strange and sensual paintings, which fit insidiously into Gainsborough's rococo setting. The show runs until 6 September.

Newcastle's Laing Art Gallery hosts the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award alongside Exploring Identity, a collection from the Laing's own holdings that provides historical context to contemporary faces. This touring prize show is on view until 5 September. Meanwhile, Staging the Baroque at Castle Howard in Yorkshire celebrates the genius of Sir John Vanbrugh, the architect behind this stately home, until 31 October.

Brussels' Floral Masterpiece

In Brussels, the Grand-Place has been transformed into a psychedelically radiant version of Hokusai's iconic woodblock print The Great Wave off Kanagawa. This breathtaking carpet of blooms, made from half a million dahlias, covers 1,680 square meters and is being arranged by hand. The installation will be swept away on 16 August, so visitors have a limited window to witness this ephemeral art.

Comparison of Key Exhibitions

Key Takeaways for Art Enthusiasts

• Edinburgh offers a diverse range of contemporary art in unique venues.
• London's National Gallery is a must-visit for Zurbarán's final days.
• Brussels' flower carpet is a fleeting, must-see installation.
• Portrait lovers should head to Newcastle for the Kramer Award.
• Baroque architecture fans will enjoy Castle Howard's exhibition.

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